Noises and Vibrations

Wind generators do not produce any chemical pollution, but they do produce some “noise pollution.” For this reason, large commercial wind farms are usually placed away from heavily populated areas. Scientists are working to reduce the noise levels of the whirling blades (great strides have been made in the last 10 years or so). Wind Turbines are usually mounted high in the air. People will also mount them on the rooftop of buildings so that the wind turbines are far from the ground. However, all rooftops create turbulence that interferes with the wind turbine's operation, the wind turbines must be raised well above the roof line. This arrangement negates the potential savings on a tower and increases the complexity of mounting and installing safely. Since all wind turbines vibrate, they transmit this vibration to the structure on which they're mounted.

Much noises, either mechanically or audible are generated as the turbines operate.

Audible noise is heard when the turbine blades cut the wind. Whirling noises are the result of the difference in the wind speed and the blade rotation speed. The loudness of the noise depends on the wind speed and the parameters of the blades. It is basically the same noise as you can hear from an electrical fan.

Wind speed at every space in the sky is not identical. Each of the blades on the turbine is blown by different wind speed. If the blades are not identical in size and shape, or their twisting angles are not the same, the unbalance situation will result in more mechanical vibrations. Running the wind turbine continuously in this situation requires more maintenance. In worst case, parts may fly out after the screws or fasteners become loose.

The post or the tower of the wind turbine also vibrates as the wind blows. It is the backbone that withstands all the forces blown towards the wind turbine.

Further, if the turbine is not designed to operate at high wind speed and there is no mechanism to protect itself, the turbine will be damaged permanently. In worst case, the turbine may be blown off and cause severe damages to the surrounding constructions or injuries to people nearby.